International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics
The foundation promotes human betterment through experimental economics to improve the understanding of exchange systems.* ifree funds primary research in market and personal exchange systems* ifree sponsors participatory, hands-on, educational workshops, interdisciplinary academic discussions, and outreach programs for those outside the economics profession.
Key facts about International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics
In short: International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics gave $394K across 8 grants in 2021 (avg $49K), mostly in Alaska. Source: 2021 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 86-0879713
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2021
- Annual giving (2021)
- $393,919
- Grants made (2021)
- 8
- Average grant
- $49,240
- Median grant
- $9,980
- Primary geography
- Alaska (79% of itemized 2021 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2021; updated September 2026.
Financial Overview
From 2021 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$394K
+160.8% YoY
Grant Count
8
+33.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$49K
+95.6% YoY
About International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics
Based on IRS filings
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics is a public charity focused on Social Science, based in Tucson, AZ. IRS filing data is available from 2019 through 2021. In 2021, it awarded 8 grants totaling $394K. Net investment income was $15K.
Focus Areas
Ready to take the next step with International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2021 grant dollars across all 8 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2021, annual grant giving ranged from $151K (2020) to $394K (2021). In 2021 it made 8 grants totaling $394K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 8 recipients in 2021
The largest 2021 recipient was Alaska Community Foundation ($310K). Together the top 8 received $394K.
Grant Size Distribution
24 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 20 grants of 24 (83%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Community Foundation Anchorage, AK | Experimental Economics Education | $310,000 |
| Chapman University Orange, CA | Experimental Economics Education | $26,815 |
| University of California Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA | Experimental Economics Research | $10,000 |
| Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA | Experimental Economics Research | $10,000 |
| Brown University Providence, RI | Experimental Economics Research | $9,960 |
| President and Fellows of Middlebury College Middlebury, VT | Experimental Economics Research | $9,944 |
| Research Foundation for the State University of New York Albany, NY | Experimental Economics Research | $9,600 |
| Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY | Experimental Economics Research | $7,600 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Metric | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | $635,515 | $913,789 |
| Revenue | $15,455 | $53,587 | $85,503 |
| Expenses | $563,970 | $306,313 | $432,050 |
| Net Investment Income | $15,455 | $27,587 | $40,436 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS April 7, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS April 7, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS February 22, 2022)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2021
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics is led by Vernon Smith, President & Founder on every filing since 2019; none of the 8 officers listed in 2021 report compensation.
Officers on the 2021 filing
Vernon Smith
President & Founder
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert Gasaway
Chairman of the Board
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cary Deck
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Diane Kaplan
Director
On filings since 2019
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jim Murphy
Director
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tucker Andersen
Director
On filings since 2019
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Candace Smith
Vice President
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carol Breckner
Treasurer
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2021. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics
How much does International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics give each year?
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics gave $394K across 8 grants in 2021, according to its 2021 IRS Form 990. In 2020 it gave $151K across 6 grants.
What is International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's typical grant size?
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's median grant in 2021 was $9,980, and its average grant was $49,240, across 8 grants on its 2021 IRS Form 990.
Where does International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics give grants?
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics gives mostly in Alaska: 79% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2021 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was California (9%).
Does International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics give general operating support?
Not in 2021: none of the 8 grants with a stated purpose on International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's 2021 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Experimental Economics Research" (6 grants).
Who are International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's largest grantees?
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's largest 2021 grantees include Alaska Community Foundation ($310,000), Chapman University ($26,815) and University of California Santa Cruz ($10,000), according to its 2021 IRS Form 990. Together they received 88% of its itemized 2021 grant dollars.
What is International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics?
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics is a public charity focused on Social Science, based in Tucson, AZ.
What is International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's EIN?
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 86-0879713. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2021.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.
Here's the math on researching International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
American Chemical Society
Washington, DC
The American Chemical Society funds chemistry research, education, student and educator support, green chemistry, and workforce development; its Petroleum Research Fund supports fundamental petroleum- and fossil-fuel-related research at nonprofit institutions. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $31,000, and funding includes U.S. and international institutions.
Assets
$2.2B
Grants
341
Total Given
$22.4M
Laura and John Arnold Foundation
Houston, TX
Arnold Ventures funds evidence-based research and policy reforms in areas including criminal justice, health care, education, public finance, and infrastructure, with a broader portfolio that also includes housing, climate, journalism, and democracy. Its work focuses on U.S. policies and systems; in 2024, grants ranged from $685 to $12.5 million, with a median of about $123,000. It does not accept unsolicited funding requests; most proposals come through direct outreach, with periodic RFPs.
Assets
$4.8B
Grants
789
Total Given
$193.3M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Northwestern University funds research and community organizations, along with selected programs in community health, transportation research, and investigative journalism. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $7.7 million, with a median of about $73,000; grants went largely to U.S. recipients, especially in Illinois, and its ANCHOR program focuses on Evanston and Chicago. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$20.8B
Grants
383
Total Given
$133.4M
Research Corporation dba Research
Tucson, AZ
Research Corporation supports early-stage basic scientific research, especially in the physical sciences, and academic scientists at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Its 2024 grants had a median of $55,000, with awards ranging from $74 to $193,142; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$241.5M
Grants
165
Total Given
$8.0M
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins University funds a broad range of education, research, health, and community-related work, with 2025 grants ranging from $5,500 to nearly $95 million and a median of $100,000; many of the largest awards were sub-awards. Its grants went to organizations across the U.S., with the largest shares in California and Maryland, and the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$25.3B
Grants
813
Total Given
$594.1M
Charles Koch Foundation
Arlington, VA
The Charles Koch Foundation funds research, education, and social entrepreneurs working on issues including criminal justice, economic progress, higher education, health care, immigration, and free speech. Its 2024 grants had a median of $250,000, with awards ranging from $1,540 to $23.7 million; it is based in Virginia, where recipients received 53% of grant dollars, but also funds organizations in other states. It accepts unsolicited proposals online on a rolling basis, with no stated deadlines.
Assets
$758.9M
Grants
93
Total Given
$64.1M
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA
Thomas Jefferson University supports program work at universities, hospitals, research organizations, and community-service organizations, with grants ranging from $6,243 to $879,503 and a median award of about $48,500. Its giving is concentrated in Pennsylvania, with additional support across several states, including Washington, New York, Virginia, and Maryland. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$6.6B
Grants
71
Total Given
$7.3M
Arizona Community Foundation
Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Community Foundation funds nonprofits, schools, tribal entities, government agencies, and most religious organizations in areas including arts and culture, community development, the environment, health, and education. Its 2025 grants had a median of $17,760; most funding goes to Arizona, though it also awards grants nationally. Competitive grants require an online application during an open cycle; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,174
Total Given
$92.9M
The Picerne Family Charitable Foundation
Phoenix, AZ
The Phoenix-based Picerne Family Charitable Foundation funds nonprofits and programs in education, arts, health and mental health, older-adult services, affordable housing, equity, and the environment. Its 2025 grants had a median of $1,250, though amounts varied widely; specific programs offer awards up to $15,000 and serve areas including Southern California, San Diego, and Orange County. The profile describes application processes for certain programs but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited general requests.
Assets
$23.9M
Grants
672
Total Given
$2.5M
Petsmart Charities Inc
Phoenix, AZ
PetSmart Charities funds nonprofit and municipal programs for companion animals, including adoption, veterinary-care access, pet-food assistance, and disaster response. Its 2026 grants had a median of $15,000, with awards ranging from $5,100 to $8.1 million, for eligible organizations in the United States, its territories, and Canada. The profile lists application pathways for several grant programs; its Accelerator Sustainable Veterinary Care Grants are invitation-only.
Assets
$96.8M
Grants
655
Total Given
$48.1M
Virginia G Piper Charitable Trust
Phoenix, AZ
Virginia G Piper Charitable Trust funds nonprofits and community partners serving Maricopa County, Arizona, in arts and culture, children, education, healthcare, older adults, religion, and nonprofit capacity. In 2025, grants ranged from $25 to $1 million, with a median of $7,500. It uses a competitive application process that begins with a Letter of Inquiry; unsolicited requests are not explicitly addressed.
Assets
$429.9M
Grants
483
Total Given
$24.5M
More Funders in Arizona
International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics down — hundreds of funders to go?